§ Mr. Les Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether the proposal by the Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer Hino to assemble its products in the United Kingdom represents a change or alteration in existing or past undertakings given by Japanese motor vehicle producers and their trade with the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Eyre[pursuant to his reply, 11 November 1980, c. 137]: The hon. Member may have in mind the public assurance given by the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry that heavy commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in weight would not be shipped directly from Japan to the United Kingdom, a commitment which I understand remains in force. This would not apply to the present proposal which I am advised, is not the assembly of vehicles by Hino in the United Kingdom but the importing by a firm in Warrington of certain Hino trucks assembled in the Republic of Ireland. The concern which this proposal has raised in the United Kingdom is believed to be fully understood in Japan.